The former Wolverines are allegedly entitled to “a present and future share of any revenue generated from the use of their publicity rights,” after their illegal denial of NIL revenues during their collegiate football careers, according to the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, Big Ten Network, the NCAA, and other Michigan football players’ performances were profitable for them since they were “broadcasting, advertising, and selling merchandise featuring their performances.”

It also mentions that for almost 20 years, the Big Ten Network has aired previous Michigan football games without paying the players.

“This is not a lawsuit against the University of Michigan,” the 73-page lawsuit’s filing attorney, Jim Acho, stated to The Detroit News.

“Neither I nor any of the several former players desired to sue UM. The NCAA is at blame for decades of this injustice. They were aware that denying athletes the opportunity to profit from their name and image—the most valuable assets they possess—was immoral.

“That has been fixed for current players,” Acho continued, “but the NCAA needs to right the wrongs of the past.” This is the day of compensation.”

The NCAA initially authorized an interim name, image, and likeness regulation in 2021, marking the start of the NIL era.

Edwards attended Robinson from 2009 to 2012 after playing at Michigan from 2001 to 2004.

Mike Martin (2008–11) and Shawn Crable (2003-07), two former Michigan defenders, have also joined the lawsuit.

Acho predicted that this will be the beginning of many lawsuits brought by players against the NCAA.

“Numerous former players over the past five decades asked me to file this, and after a lot of research we felt it was absolutely the right thing to do,” he stated.

“I expect former players from the other noted football programs will follow our lead and file similar lawsuits.”

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